[Avodah] bribes

[Simon Krysl]

Dear all,
this is something I was asked a while ago - and keep wondering since:
is there (and what is) an explicit halakhic basis to prohibit one from
giving bribes, to public officials or else? The question of accepting
bribes is clear (Shemot 23.8): but what about bribing? It is clear -
of course - that a bribe to save live(s) is unproblematic: but I am
thinking of less radical situations. All I can think of is Vayikra
19.14 (stumbling block before the blind) and, at most, dina demalkhuta
dina. But can you think of anything else (more direct) or is the point
that there is no such prohibition (for the above reason) at all?
The situation would probably be different in Israel and in galut
countries - as well as, perhaps, on the degree the person in question
is a public official (the difference between bribing a judge, an
academic official or member of a prize-giving committee, or an
employee at a local grocery to put some avocados aside for me- in some
countries). If anyone had any thoughts, I'd be most thankful.

With warm greetings
Simon Krysl